Summer botany position at Indiana Dunes National Park

We are seeking an applicant for a summer Botany position at Indiana Dunes National Park, centered around Porter, Indiana. The position runs from June 8, 2023 to August 24, 2023 (dates are firm), with a compensation of approximately $20.75/hour.

The incumbent will be employed by the University of Minnesota, but will work directly with, and report to, the Great Lakes Network of the National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program. The goals of the I&M program include monitoring key environmental variables so that ecological change can be detected and addressed in a timely manner.

This is largely a field-based position. The incumbent will assist with the sampling of permanent forest monitoring plots at Indiana Dunes National Park around Porter, Indiana. The incumbent will collect extensive data on the herbaceous layer and browse. They will be expected to identify at least 350 herbaceous species, and have considerable experience identifying members of the family Poaceae and genus Carex. Field work will be performed in teams of 2-3 people, and the incumbent will act as a crew leader. The incumbent may also spend approximately 5-10% of time performing computer work.

This position operates on an 8-day on/6-day off schedule. During the 8-day sampling periods, incumbent will be expected to carry field equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. They will be exposed to high temperatures, stinging and biting insects, including thick mosquitoes, and poisonous plants. Hikes to and from plots will be as long as one mile, each direction.

The incumbents are responsible for securing and paying for their own housing in Porter, IN, or the nearby area.

Note on COVID: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment or complete a request for an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, detailed resume (no page limit), professional references, and unofficial transcripts to Suzanne Sanders (suzanne_sanders@nps.gov) by January 22, 2023. Include a phone number and email address that you check regularly. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by telephone in late January or early February. No phone calls or emails, other than applications, please. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

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